The big science question: One of the key questions of societal relevance is whether it is possible to mitigate the impact of rising carbon emissions on Earth's climate. It is important to assess if technological means ('Geo-Engineering') have the capacity and viability to offset rising temperatures, in the case emissions cannot be reduced sufficiently. How safe and cost effective are these methods of 'Geo-Engineering'?
Anthropogenic CO2 emissions are increasing by more than 2% per year, rather than decreasing by the ~3% needed to mitigate climate change. Informed advice to policy makers regarding the societal consequences of anthropogenic carbon emissions and the evaluation of geoengineering approaches to supplement reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions is required. Research in Southampton has (i) developed a new class Earth System model ('GENIE') that can be used investigate the potential interaction between the carbon cycle, the oceans, and Climate. (ii) Researchers in Southampton also led a major Royal Society Review, chaired by Professor John Shepherd, CBE FRS, that provides an authoritative assessment of 'Geo-engineering' – the deliberate large-scale intervention in the Earth’s climate system to moderate global warming. This report provides a timely national and international benchmark for policy makers, opinion formers, and investment.
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